Get to know...

Tyler Bieck: When did you begin to play baseball?

Al Shiers: T-ball when my brothers and dad taught me.

TB: You are the youngest of three guys, all of whom played Legion ball. What makes you a different player from your older brothers?

AS: They were both right-handed and I'm a lefty. Brandon was a better pitcher than Leeland or I.

TB: What positions do you play?

AS: Sometimes outfield and once in awhile, designated hitter. Wherever I fit in.

TB: You can hit from both sides of the plate. Where did you learn to switch hit?

AS: In Cubs' ball. I just began to try it and went from there. It has kind of gotten away from me and I just mainly hit left-handed now.

TB: Everybody is wondering, what is up with the facial hair?

AS: I just decided to try something different than everybody else. It looks intimidating at the plate with my shaved head.

TB: What song do you have playing for your on-deck music?

AS: "My Own Summer" by Deftones. It just gets me going.

TB: What do you enjoy doing with your free time in the summer?

AS: Work, hang out, go to the lake and get ready for football.

TB: You will be a senior at McCook High School this fall. What are you looking forward to?

AS: I'll try to have as much fun and play football. Also looking forward to playing baseball next year.

This is the latest in a series of "Get To Knows" that will cover the entire McCook National Bank American Legion Seniors baseball squad.

The interviews were conducted by McCook Daily Gazette writer Tyler Bieck, a 2003 McCook High School graduate.

The photos were taken by Gazette sports editor John J. Mesh.